Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Gandrung Sewu Festival captivated thousands at Marina Boom Beach Banyuwangi, where 1,350 Gandrung dancers delivered a world-class cultural performance celebrating Indonesia’s rich diversity. Held under the theme “Payung Agung: The Diversity of Culture,” this year’s festival became a showcase for the harmony of Banyuwangi’s multifaceted heritage.
“Gandrung Sewu’s Payung Agung reflects the beauty of Banyuwangi’s cultural diversity—a place where traditions and values interact. Despite our differences, we respect, honor, and support one another,” Acting Banyuwangi Regent, Sugirah stated in a press release on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
Sugirah noted that the Gandrung Sewu Festival, which was included in Indonesia’s prestigious Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) in 2023, not only celebrates cultural heritage but encourages active involvement in its preservation. The event, which Banyuwangi has hosted annually since 2012, brings a modernized presentation of tradition, aiming to attract younger generations to safeguard their cultural legacy.
This year’s performance emphasized harmony among Banyuwangi’s diverse ethnic communities, portraying unity amid conflict. The performance introduced the figure of Umar Moyo, a wise leader known for maintaining interethnic harmony. The dancers formed intricate formations, earning rounds of applause from an audience captivated by the vibrant storytelling.
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Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) also praised the festival’s impact on tourism and the creative economy. “Gandrung Sewu has evolved through innovation and quality improvements each year, becoming a premier event that attracts both domestic and international tourists,” said Restog Krisna Kusuma, the Ministry’s Expert Staff for Innovation and Creativity.
Restog commended the collaboration across various sectors that made the event a reality. The Gandrung Sewu Festival was also attended by regional officials from East Java and Bali, underscoring its importance in the local cultural landscape.
“This festival demonstrates the power of cross-sector collaboration in boosting the regional economy by involving artists, tourism industry players, and small businesses,” Restog added. “We hope it serves as a benchmark for other regions in Indonesia.”
(Raidi/Agung)
